Cruise Description

32 Night Cruise sailing from Mumbai to Istanbul aboard Crystal Symphony.

Set sail through the azure expanse of the Arabian Sea on this magical 32-night cruise. Explore the cultural tapestry and iconic monuments of the Middle East and truly earn your travel stripes. Enjoy Muscat and the historic allure of Salalah before days at sea usher in moments of tranquil reflection. The vibrant energy of Jeddah follows, and then you’ll dive into the ancient wonders of Luxor and Petra, both must-see cities for serious travelers. The Mediterranean beckons with the enchantment of Athens, Alexandria's rich history, the spiritual aura of Haifa, and the ancient charm of Istanbul.

Highlights of this cruise:

Mumbai
Explore Mumbai, the home of Bollywood and the dizzying commercial capital of India. Known as the city of dreams, Mumbai offers exhilarating experiences. Formerly known as Bombay, this city of temples where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, is home to extraordinary UNESCO treasures including the Elephanta and Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort Complex. Overland journeys may be arranged to the exquisite Taj Mahal and the 2019-inscribed Jaipur Rajasthan, known also as the Pink City and revered for its colonnaded City Palace complex with royal gardens and courtyards.

Salalah
Oman's lush southern gem, where fragrant frankincense trees, pristine beaches, and a fascinating blend of Omani and East African cultures create an enchanting and rejuvenating Arabian getaway. Like a magic carpet spread before the sea, Oman's coastal plain is one of the most fertile areas of Arabia. Famous since antiquity as the source of frankincense, Salalah was already a prosperous town when Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century! Inland rise the forbidding Al-Quara Mountains, and the desolate "Empty Quarter" of central Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah
As the most historic port in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is packed full of cultural riches. Apart from being the gateway to Mecca, the city is famous for being the burial place of Eve, the mother of humanity. Although the city today buzzes with modernity, the past is very much present, largely thanks to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Jeddah where you can stroll the streets lined with beautiful and traditional 19th century architecture.

Safaga
Delve into the world of ancient Egypt in Luxor, a treasure trove of historically significant temples, tombs and monuments located on the east bank of the Nile. On the Red Sea coast, this small city offers beautiful beaches and glorious weather, even snorkeling and diving among the offshore reefs. More intriguingly, it serves as the gateway to Luxor on the west bank of the Nile River, where the Valley of the Kings reveals the elaborate tombs and underground mausoleums of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II.

Aqaba
Carved into a rock facade, Petra is an ancient archeological city and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwestern desert of Jordan. Situated at the top of its namesake gulf, Aqaba brings a refreshing release from the rose-colored desert to the north. Its sandy beaches and coral reefs are the most pristine on the Red Sea, and Jordanians hope to preserve them through careful planning. Beyond the modernity of Aqaba itself, the UNESCO treasure of Petra – an ancient rock-carved Nabataean city once lost to the Western world – and the wonders of the Wadi Rum await discovery.

Athens
Experience the vibrant and historic port of Piraeus, Athens' gateway to the Aegean islands and beyond, and find a rich maritime heritage, a bustling local culture, and access to the wonders of Athens. Venture through Greece’s largest port city, Piraeus, as you make your way to the cradle of Western culture and the birthplace of democracy. Athens, among the world's oldest cities with a history spanning 3,400 years, has long been the location of myth and muse, and its ancient heritage is still an incredible source of inspiration. Here, the Acropolis crowns the city as home to the Parthenon and other legendary temples and monuments.

Alexandria
There are few cities on earth as steeped in history as Alexandria, the city heaves with echoes of ancient greatness. The Great Library, one of the most famous centers of learning in antiquity, symbolizes its intellectual legacy, and, although the original library is no more, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina pays homage to this heritage with its stunning architecture and wealth of knowledge. Today the city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE is a vibrant metropolis and nexus of civilizations, offering a both visitors and locals a kaleidoscope of experiences. Head to the Alexandria`s shoreline, adorned with historic forts and picturesque beaches, evokes both romance and history. The Citadel of Qaitbay, a medieval fortress on the Mediterranean`s edge, was built in the place of the city’s famous lighthouse (one of the original Seven Wonders of the World) stands as a testament to Egypt`s maritime past. Stroll along the waterfront, aka the Corniche and you`ll find charming cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors that invite you to enjoy some of the local delicacies, or pop into the bustling streets of the Souk el-Attarine market for full immersion into local life.

Rhodes
A Greek paradise in the Aegean Sea that enchants visitors with its stunning natural beauty, ancient ruins, and charming old town. Rich with natural beauty and colorful history, Rhodes represents one of the most architecturally varied locations in Europe. Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and Turkish influences intermingle with abundant sunshine and dry air to cast a magnificent light over the island that the ancients dedicated to Apollo, the God of Light. High on a cliff, the ruins of the Temple of Athena sit amidst the beautifully preserved Acropolis at Lindos.

Istanbul
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and historic city of Istanbul, where two continents meet, and ancient architecture, flavorful cuisine, and a rich cultural tapestry blend together at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The only city in the world that spans two continents, Istanbul is an icon of history, art and beauty in both Europe and Asia. Here, centuries-old architecture meets modern luxuries, and a melting pot of faiths, flavors and traditions rivals the mosaic masterpieces within its exquisite buildings. Places like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the famed Blue Mosque - each a jaw-dropping display of cultural riches.